Mrs. Brandon's Weekly Letter

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Last Tuesday, during our staff meeting, I shared my plans to retire from Parkway at the end of this school year. I quoted Ray Lewis, the Baltimore Ravens football player who recently announced his retirement by saying, “All things that start have an end.”

As educators, we know all too well about starts and ends. The bell signifies a definite start and end to our day as well as to each class, and the academic calendar allows us—each year—to have a fresh start in August and a well-needed end in May!

And, now, a career that began at Rockwood South Junior High School in Fenton, MO, will come to an end at Parkway Northeast Middle School, in Creve Coeur, MO.

I write this letter to you, the parents and guardians of the students with whom I am privileged to work each day, to thank you for sharing your incredible children with me. During my fourteen years at Northeast Middle School I have been challenged, inspired, and entertained—daily—by their words and actions.

I often tell people how lucky I am to serve in the North area of Parkway. The North area is wonderfully diverse and this tight-knit community is definitely Viking Proud! The support you have provided Northeast—and me—over the years is greatly appreciated.

As I begin this new chapter in my life, my emotions are bittersweet. While I am excited about trying something new, I am sad about walking away from the one thing that has given my work purpose for the past 26 years—kids.

Thank you for all the support and friendship you have given me over the years.